Six Flags Magic Mountain is one of the most popular amusement parks in the United States. While many people have fond memories of this park, for some, it stands as a reminder of the pain they endured as a result of the injuries they sustained on what was supposed to be a normal day at the park.
If the above statement describes your current situation, you should consider contacting Morgan and Morgan for a free, confidential case evaluation with no obligations. If you have a valid case, our Six Flags Magic Mountain injury lawyers may be able to help you seek monetary compensation for your damages.
History of Accidents at Six Flags Magic Mountain
Six Flags Magic Mountain is not new to accidents and incidents that have caused some guests so much pain in the past. We'll start with a brawl that occurred back in April 1993 at this California-based amusement park during a concert, resulting in 40 people being treated for minor injuries.
In 2006, the Amusement Safety Organization dropped a bombshell of a report, which revealed 109 complaints from Magic Mountain guests regarding various incidents, ranging from nose bleeding and heat exhaustion to neck and back injuries caused by different rides.
At least 18 of these complaints involved individuals blacking out on the famous Goliath roller coaster. Others were related to safety concerns, such as ride operators using cell phones while operating rides, which is also a form of negligence.
The report also found that from January 2001 to December 2006, the state of California received notices of 80 injuries at the amusement park.
In the summer of 2019, the park experienced a brush fire and heavy smoke in its main area and water park, leading to the evacuation of guests and an early closure. Fortunately, no damage was reported.
How a Six Flags Magic Mountain Injury Lawyer Can Help
From the above incidents, there's no doubt that you need an attorney in your corner if you ever get injured at Six Flags Magic Mountain, or if your loved one is already a victim. The first thing this lawyer will do is establish the validity and value of your claim.
If you have legal grounds to file a claim, you'll still need a lawyer to help assess and maximize your damages. You want to make sure that you receive total compensation for your injuries because once the case is settled, you won't have another opportunity to negotiate additional compensation, even if you believe the initial settlement was insufficient.
The lawyer can also help establish liability. If negligence or wrongdoing can be proven against Six Flags Magic Mountain or any other party involved, your lawyer will help you file a claim or lawsuit, depending on how the case unfolds.
Common Injuries Caused by Accidents at Six Flags Magic Mountain
An accident at Six Flags Magic Mountain can lead to the following injuries:
- Whiplash and neck injuries
- Head injuries
- Back injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Soft tissue injuries
- Cuts, bruises, and abrasions
It is also worth noting that some of these injuries can lead to death. In that case, the surviving family members may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the liable party.
Possible Defendants in a Six Flags Magic Mountain Injury Lawsuit
Speaking of liability, the unique details of your case will determine who is responsible for your injuries and other damages. Generally, you may be able to file a claim against Six Flags Magic Mountain, the owner and operator of the amusement park. However, that status alone doesn't make them liable by default; you must prove that they were somehow responsible, either through their actions or inactions leading up to the accident that caused your injuries.
Other claims may target the manufacturers or designers of the ride, operators who failed to pay attention to guests, maintenance and inspection companies, contractors, government agencies, and others. Every case is unique, and an attorney can help you determine how best to assert your legal claims.
Recoverable Damages
Just like the issue of liability, the recoverable damages in such a case will vary depending on the unique circumstances of the case. Amusement park accidents, in general, often attract compensation for damages such as:
- Past, current, and future medical expenses.
- Lost wages and earning potential.
- Physical and emotional distress caused by the accident.
If the accident occurred due to extreme negligence, you could be awarded punitive damages to punish the defendant. A good example of this kind of negligence is when the park operators knew that a particular ride was defective but still allowed guests to ride on it, which resulted in a fatality.
Benefits of Hiring a Lawyer After a Six Flags Magic Mountain Injury
On top of the different roles an attorney can play in such a case, the fact that you have legal representation comes with many benefits. Amusement park injury attorneys are usually experienced in dealing with insurance companies. They understand the tactics some of these companies use to minimize payouts or deny claims altogether. With this kind of knowledge and expertise, lawyers are often better prepared to fight for you and protect your claim.
Lawyers also have your best interests at heart, unlike insurance companies. In fact, in most cases, they only get paid if you win, which inspires them to put up their strongest fight to ensure you receive the best possible outcome.
Hiring a lawyer allows you to focus on your injuries and recovery. By entrusting your case to a lawyer, you won't have to worry about dealing with insurance companies directly and unknowingly doing something that could jeopardize your claim.
The presence of a lawyer can make the other party take your claim more seriously. When you have legal representation, the other party involved, whether it's Six Flags Magic Mountain, their insurance company, or any other defendant, will understand that you are prepared to pursue your rights to the full extent of the law just to ensure you get what you are entitled to.
Lawyers can also uncover the hidden value of your claim. For example, damages such as future medical expenses or long-term consequences of your injuries are not usually easy to calculate or maximize, and that's where an attorney comes in to prove their experience in handling these cases.